A total of 10,032 battery electrics for September are represented mostly by the Tesla Model S (4,100 estimated sales), and Model X (2,600 estimated). Tesla reported a strong third quarter, so its push to meet a goal is most to be credited.

All told, battery electrics plus plug-in hybrids totaled 16,069 units and comprised 1.12 percent of September sales, topping the previous high market share of 0.91 percent in June 2016, and previous high total of 14,973 in August 2016.

This also edges out the U.S. lower-emission diesel vehicle market, which saw 0.82 percent share, with Volkswagen cars benched for now, and the majority of its 11,737 sales carried by light-duty trucks.

Regular non-plug-in hybrids, not so incidentally, accounted for 2.19 percent, and 31,286 sales.

The U.S. is also on track to have a much better overall year. Sales, calendar year to date, of all plug-ins is now 109,513 units. By contrast last year the entire 12 months saw 114,428 sales.

Since 2008, the U.S. has purchased an estimated 522,519 plug-in passenger vehicles.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/10/plug-in-cars-had-their-best-ever-us-sales-in-september.html/feed0more]]>Mercedes-Benz GLC Plug-in Fuel-Cell Vehicle On Tap For 2017http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/06/mercedes-benz-glc-plug-in-fuel-cell-vehicle-on-tap-for-2017.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/06/mercedes-benz-glc-plug-in-fuel-cell-vehicle-on-tap-for-2017.html#commentsThu, 16 Jun 2016 16:09:35 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=403928Mercedes-Benz GLC Plug-in Fuel-Cell Vehicle On Tap For 2017Mercedes-Benz is previewing a plug-in hybrid hydrogen fuel-cell GLC that they plan to release in 2017. Yes, you read that right. Unlike other fuel-cell vehicles such as the Toyota Mirai or Honda Clarity, Mercedes’ GLC fuel-cell vehicle will utilize a 9-kWh battery pack, making it rather unique. The merging of a li-ion battery with about 30 miles range plus... more]]>Mercedes-Benz is previewing a plug-in hybrid hydrogen fuel-cell GLC that they plan to release in 2017.

Yes, you read that right. Unlike other fuel-cell vehicles such as the Toyota Mirai or Honda Clarity, Mercedes’ GLC fuel-cell vehicle will utilize a 9-kWh battery pack, making it rather unique.

The merging of a li-ion battery with about 30 miles range plus a 300-mile-range fuel cell stack as the main power mirrors, in concept, the Audi A7 H-tron, which relied on an 8.8-kWh battery.

No gas engine is involved, and one reason for the battery power is that Mercedes observes there aren’t enough hydrogen refilling stations. With the GLC, drivers will be able to recharge at public charging stations if a hydrogen refilling station isn’t located close by.

It’s unclear when the GLC-Class-based fuel-cell vehicle will debut, but reports suggest it will be the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Mercedes-Benz has previously produced a B-Class F-Cell in 2009, but the company only leased it to fleets and a select few customers while not offering it for sale to the general public.

As for the new GLC, its battery is at the rear, while the fuel-cell stack – developed with Ford in a joint venture –is under the hood. There are two tanks for the storage of 8.8 pounds of hydrogen. One will run down the center of the vehicle,while another will be placed below the rear seats.

In order to make the fuel-cell stack fit, it is being shrunk by about 30 percent while using 90-percent less platinum, says the automaker.

No price has been announced at this time. Mercedes-Benz has suggested that despite the present infrastructure dilemma, costs will come down, fuel will grow greener with development, and FCVs already have longer range and faster refueling than battery electric vehicles.

The cheapest Sonata Plug-In will sell for $34,600, though Hyundai says that will drop down to $29,681 after federal tax credits are applied. For that price, the car packs 17-inch wheels, a premium audio system, an eight-inch touchscreen along with blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert.

Sonata Plug-In models are able to travel up to 27 miles on electricity alone and have an overall range of about 600 miles. The car is rated at 99 mpge, while during regular hybrid operation it gets a rating of 40 mpg.

Powering the Plug-In Hybrid is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a 50 kW electric motor, making a total of 202 horsepower. Hyundai says it takes less than nine hours to recharge from a 120V outlet, while a level-two 240V charger will get the car back to full in under three hours.

For the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid Limited, customers will have to pay $38,600, which gets cut to $33,681 after the same federal tax credit. That extra cash brings along more safety features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams and rear parking sensors. An electronic parking brake, driver memory seat, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats and smart cruise control also come on the Limited model.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/11/hyundai-sonata-plug-in-hybrid-priced-from-29-681.html/feed0more]]>Porsche 911 Plug-In Hybrid Decision Coming this Yearhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/05/porsche-911-plug-in-hybrid-decision-coming-this-year.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/05/porsche-911-plug-in-hybrid-decision-coming-this-year.html#respondWed, 13 May 2015 14:17:45 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=303702Porsche 911 Plug-In Hybrid Decision Coming this YearPorsche is considering offering its 911 sports car with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The German company will make the decision before the end of this year whether or not the 911 gets a plug-in setup. “Why not?” responded CEO Matthias Mueller when asked about a Porsche 911 plug-in hybrid. “That is a technique which we at... more]]>

Porsche is considering offering its 911 sports car with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The German company will make the decision before the end of this year whether or not the 911 gets a plug-in setup. “Why not?” responded CEO Matthias Mueller when asked about a Porsche 911 plug-in hybrid. “That is a technique which we at Porsche are very familiar with, so we can suppose that we could have plug-ins all over the model range, not only to save fuel but also to boost the performance of these cars.”

Porsche currently offers three plug-in hybrid powertrains, which can be had in the 918 supercar, Cayenne or Panamera. Roughly 15 percent of Panamera sales in the U.S. are made up of plug-in hybrid models, while 10 to 12 percent of Cayenne sales in the U.S. are expected to be plug-in hybrid models this year.

The Panamera S E-Hybrid uses an electric motor paired to a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 to produce a combined 416 hp and 435 lb-ft of torque. It can travel up to 22 miles on electricity alone.

The 911 will “possibly” be the next model to offer an electrified powertrain according to Mueller. Porsche knows that the 911 has a big reputation to defend, so the plug-in hybrid model must deliver a true sports car experience, one of the hurdles holding it back from production.

“We are firmly convinced that the plug-in technology is the solution for the nearer future,” said Mueller.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/05/porsche-911-plug-in-hybrid-decision-coming-this-year.html/feed0more]]>Hyundai Sonata Adds Plug-in Hybrid Electric Powertrainhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/01/hyundai-sonata-adds-plug-in-hybrid-electric-powertrain.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/01/hyundai-sonata-adds-plug-in-hybrid-electric-powertrain.html#respondMon, 12 Jan 2015 20:00:03 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=269184Hyundai Sonata Adds Plug-in Hybrid Electric PowertrainTwo new Hyundai Sonata models are being introduced for 2016 and not surprisingly both focus on efficiency. Marking its return this year is the hybrid model, while an all-new Sonata plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has joined the family. This is the first plug-in vehicle Hyundai has ever offered. The Sonata is expected to get... more]]>

Two new Hyundai Sonata models are being introduced for 2016 and not surprisingly both focus on efficiency.

Marking its return this year is the hybrid model, while an all-new Sonata plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has joined the family.

This is the first plug-in vehicle Hyundai has ever offered. The Sonata is expected to get 22 miles of electric-only power off a single charge from its 9.8 kWh battery pack. Using a stage-two charger the Sonata should be able to replenish its electrical goodness in around two-and-a-half hours.

Power for the Sonata PHEV comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 154 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. Paired up to a 50 kW electric motor this system’s total output clocks in at 202 hp. That electric motor is 32 percent more powerful than the one used in the regular Sonata Hybrid, which allows for pure-EV operation.

Both hybrids use a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. Fully charged, this should net the Sonata PHEV a combined MPGe rating of 93. When the charge is depleted, the Plug-in Hybrid is expected to return 38 MPG city and 43 highway.

Both Sonata hybrids receive exterior tweaks that lower their aerodynamic drag to just 0.24. But unlike the last-generation Sonata Hybrid the new cars do not drastically differ in exterior design compared to their all-gasoline counterparts. That said, there will be two exclusive paint colors available for the hybrids.

As is becoming the norm with modern plug-in and electric vehicles, owners of the Sonata PHEV can monitor and schedule their cars’ charging times via apps on their smartphones.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/01/hyundai-sonata-adds-plug-in-hybrid-electric-powertrain.html/feed0more]]>Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S Goes Up-Markethttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/mitsubishi-goes-premium-with-outlander-phev-concept-s.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/mitsubishi-goes-premium-with-outlander-phev-concept-s.html#respondThu, 02 Oct 2014 09:04:36 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=258149Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S Goes Up-MarketMitsubishi is showing off a preview of what will eventually become a more premium version of the company’s Plug-In Hybrid Outlander Crossover. Up front, chrome accents and wraparound headlamps have been added to this upscale Outlander. The rear also receives a refresh that includes more chrome accents and taillights that run the entire length of... more]]>

Mitsubishi is showing off a preview of what will eventually become a more premium version of the company’s Plug-In Hybrid Outlander Crossover.

Up front, chrome accents and wraparound headlamps have been added to this upscale Outlander. The rear also receives a refresh that includes more chrome accents and taillights that run the entire length of the lift gate.

The inside is altered thanks to a “Black & Burgundy” coloring scheme. Highlights include black woodgrain, a center console designed to look like traditional Japanese lacquered boxes and upgrade leather seats.

Like current road-going versions of the Outlander PHEV (a vehicle that has yet to go on sale in North America), the premium model will still use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine along with two electric motors and a lithium ion battery pack. Solely powered by electricity, it can travel up to 32.5 miles and offers 148 MPGe according to the European test cycle. Best of all, the Outlander can recharge its own battery while driving.

The original Toyota Prius revolutionized the automotive industry in 1997.

A novel idea at the time, Toyota proved gas-electric hybrid technology could work in a reliable, everyday vehicle. Like fake carbon fiber interior trim, hybrids are commonplace in today’s automotive landscape.

But just how mainstream have dedicated, purpose-built hybrids become? Are they so advanced and seamless in operation that there are no drawbacks to owning one over a conventional vehicle? To find out we put our general consumer reviewer Amanda behind the wheel of the 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV). The task that lay before her was to drive it like she would any other car, putting it to the test through her regular daily grind.

The Specs

Power for the PHV Prius is the same as the regular Prius. That means a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 98 hp is paired up to an AC synchronous electric motor with 80 hp. Combined, the two power plants can generate 134 hp total.

A single-speed electronic continuously variable transmission sends power to the front wheels and allows the 3,156-lb. Prius PHV to get the equivalent of 95 MPG when using the electric drive mode (15 mile electric range), or 50 MPG when using just the regular hybrid drivetrain.

The Prius PHV starts at $30,815 after destination charges. Amanda’s loaded up Prius PHV Advance with the technology package came to $38,340 and included options like navigation, adaptive cruise control, softex seats and LED headlights.

How does it Drive?

With a single-speed gearbox and highly assisted driver controls, Amanda found the Prius PHV easy to operate. Although built to maximize efficiency, the car is still stable and controllable whether on the highway or city streets.

On the other hand, acceleration is an issue. Still making only 134 HP, the Prius PHV adds over 100 lbs. compared to the base Prius. That may not sound like a lot, but it’s obvious from behind the wheel. Never quick to build speed in any situation, on the highway the lack of power is impossible to ignore.

One of the advantages of the PHV Prius is access to high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes where applicable, even if you’re driving alone. The downside is that acessing the HOV lane during rush hour traffic can be tricky with virtually no acceleration to speak of.

The View from Inside

Amanda found the Prius easy to get comfortable in and immediately found her preferred driving position behind the wheel. The interior finishes are adequate, but nothing feels premium, even in her loaded up top-of-the-line PHV.

Rear seat space is very usable with 36 inches of legroom and plenty of headroom for most adults. The rear cargo hold is also practical with 21.6 cubic feet of space.

What She Liked

The main feature Amanda liked the most about the Prius PHV didn’t have much to do with the car itself, but rather its ability to access the HOV lane when driving solo in rush hour traffic.

Being an incredibly efficient hybrid, she liked the fact that during a week of use she did not have to fill the fuel tank up once. As well, the navigation system was easy to learn, quick to respond and intuitive to use.

What She Didn’t Like

Amanda’s biggest complaint about the Prius was that the brakes are grabby, making smooth slowdowns difficult to achieve. It’s an issue we’ve experienced in the past and can corroborate.

She also wasn’t a fan of the Prius styling or the constant beeping that happens whenever the Prius PHV is put into reverse.

The Verdict

The Prius PHV is quite possibly the most hardcore hybrid on the market. It remains a vehicle for people that want to save as much gas as possible and/or make a green statement. Consumers looking for an efficient vehicle that doesn’t compromise as much when it comes to driveability, there are other plug-in alternatives like the Fusion Hybrid and Accord Hybrid, but they also command a high list price.

Purpose built hybrids have come a long way, but do still include drawbacks; some of which Amanda is not ready to live with.

GALLERY: 2014 Toyota Prius PHV

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/2014-toyota-prius-phv-consumer-review.html/feed0more]]>2016 Chevrolet Volt to Make Motown Debut in Januaryhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/01/2016-chevrolet-volt-to-make-motown-debut-in-january.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/01/2016-chevrolet-volt-to-make-motown-debut-in-january.html#respondThu, 07 Aug 2014 16:41:50 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=2529992016 Chevrolet Volt to Make Motown Debut in JanuaryChevrolet confirmed today that it plans to reveal the next version of its Volt range-extended electric car during the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. The company didn’t release any other new details about the car, which is slated to ride on a new dedicated platform. Currently, the Volt is based on a modified version of the... more]]>

Chevrolet confirmed today that it plans to reveal the next version of its Volt range-extended electric car during the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.

The company didn’t release any other new details about the car, which is slated to ride on a new dedicated platform. Currently, the Volt is based on a modified version of the same architecture that underpins the Cruze compact sedan. Aside from having its own bones, Chevrolet is expected to improve the all-electric driving range for the new generation. At least in part, that range improvement be possible because of weight savings associated with the new platform. While Chevrolet hasn’t released an official number yet, the new Volt is expected to offer a range of between 50 and 60 miles compared to 40 with the current car.

In April, GM announced that it would invest $449 million into its next generation of electrified vehicles by upgrading its Detroit-Hamtramck facility. The manufacturer also said that it would invest another $65 million to support next-generation lithium-ion battery production and systems. Chevrolet is rumored to also be developing a smaller, electric only vehicle that would sit below the Volt.

Since those announcements, General Motors said that it plans to cancel Opel’s version of the Volt on sale in Europe after it failed to gain traction. Like the Volt, the Ampera is built at the company’s Detroit-Hamtramck facility alongside the Cadillac ELR, which is also having a hard time finding customers.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/01/2016-chevrolet-volt-to-make-motown-debut-in-january.html/feed0more]]>Nissan Leaf Crests 100,000 Global Saleshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/01/nissan-leaf-crests-100000-global-sales.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/01/nissan-leaf-crests-100000-global-sales.html#respondMon, 20 Jan 2014 17:45:07 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=230420Nissan Leaf Crests 100,000 Global SalesNissan announced today that it has sold its 100,000th Leaf electric vehicle. The company said the Leaf holds a 45 percent share of the electric car market and has enjoyed consistently increasing sales since its introduction in late 2010. Leaf sales haven’t always been a rosy tale. A year ago, Nissan slashed pricing by $6,400... more]]>

Nissan announced today that it has sold its 100,000th Leaf electric vehicle.

The company said the Leaf holds a 45 percent share of the electric car market and has enjoyed consistently increasing sales since its introduction in late 2010. Leaf sales haven’t always been a rosy tale. A year ago, Nissan slashed pricing by $6,400 for the 2013 model year. The announcement, which CEO Carlos Ghosn made during last year’s Detroit Auto Show, turned out to be a game changer for the Leaf.

Sales leapt practically overnight and other companies with competing electric cars including Chevrolet were forced to fire back. This year, Nissan is increasing the price by $180 to $29,830 including delivery. That price doesn’t include the $7,500 tax credit.

Cars included in the 2014 model year come with a standard rear-view camera that was previously part of the technology package.

Nissan sold about 3,000 Leafs last year in the U.S. and Ghosn said during the Detroit Auto Show that the company’s next volume target is roughly 50,000 units per year in this market. He didn’t provide a timeline for the goal.

GALLERY: 2013 Nissan Leaf

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/01/nissan-leaf-crests-100000-global-sales.html/feed0more]]>2014 Honda Accord Named Green Car of the Yearhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/11/2014-honda-accord-named-green-car-of-the-year.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/11/2014-honda-accord-named-green-car-of-the-year.html#commentsThu, 21 Nov 2013 18:36:32 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=2231112014 Honda Accord Named Green Car of the YearHonda’s mid-size sedan was just named the 2014 Green Car of the Year here at the 2013 L.A. Auto Show. The car is offered with a variety of fuel-efficient powertrains including the four-cylinder model equipped with a CVT that returned the best real-world fuel economy during AutoGuide.com’s mid-size sedan shootout earlier this year. There is also still... more]]>

Honda’s mid-size sedan was just named the 2014 Green Car of the Year here at the 2013 L.A. Auto Show.

The car is offered with a variety of fuel-efficient powertrains including the four-cylinder model equipped with a CVT that returned the best real-world fuel economy during AutoGuide.com’s mid-size sedan shootout earlier this year. There is also still a V6 option, which isn’t particularly fuel friendly, but it’s the exception at this point.

There are also hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants available. Honda advertises that the Accord Hybrid can offer up to 50 mpg in the city and 47 on the highway while the plug-in hybrid version promises an ambiguous 115 MPGe. Like theoretical income, that number doesn’t mean much in real-world conditions, but the point is that it’s highly-efficient.

Competition was stiff this year. The Audi A6 TDI and BMW 328d were both finalists, as were the 2014 Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/11/2014-honda-accord-named-green-car-of-the-year.html/feed2more]]>Jaguar C-X75 Concept Build Detailed in Videohttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/06/jaguar-c-x75-concept-build-detailed-in-video.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/06/jaguar-c-x75-concept-build-detailed-in-video.html#respondFri, 28 Jun 2013 00:32:43 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=203562Jaguar C-X75 Concept Build Detailed in VideoThe car Jaguar used to capture imaginations in 2010 is back, if only for a moment, in a video remembering what could have been. Now, a new video is taking a look back at Jaguar’s cancelled supercar project: the C-X75. Originally meant to be a jet turbine-powered supercar, the project yielded three prototypes that used... more]]>

The car Jaguar used to capture imaginations in 2010 is back, if only for a moment, in a video remembering what could have been.

Now, a new video is taking a look back at Jaguar’s cancelled supercar project: the C-X75.

Originally meant to be a jet turbine-powered supercar, the project yielded three prototypes that used a 1.6-liter turbocharged and supercharged four cylinder engine along with two electric motors for a total output over 850 hp. Top speed was supposed to be 220 mph, and the unusual exotic would have travelled over 37 miles without burning gas.

Between its exotic style and bonkers brochure specifications, the plug-in hybrid project had heads turned. That made it all the more painful when Jaguar announced its cancellation.

Bigger players like Ferrari and McLaren were building their own exclusive supercars and Jag needed to focus on reaching a broader market. After all, the plan was always included limiting production to 250 units — each priced over $1 million.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/06/jaguar-c-x75-concept-build-detailed-in-video.html/feed0more]]>Next Generation Volt to be More Aggressivehttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/11/next-generation-volt-to-be-more-aggressive.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/11/next-generation-volt-to-be-more-aggressive.html#commentsTue, 27 Nov 2012 00:02:22 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=167959Next Generation Volt to be More AggressiveSporty, aggressive and imposing aren’t words many people would associate with the Chevrolet Volt, but the brand might borrow cues from its European subsidiary, Opel, for the car’s next generation. While the version North Americans are being served wears a lukewarm cloak that looks about as performance-oriented as the car actually is, the Ampera takes... more]]>

Sporty, aggressive and imposing aren’t words many people would associate with the Chevrolet Volt, but the brand might borrow cues from its European subsidiary, Opel, for the car’s next generation.

While the version North Americans are being served wears a lukewarm cloak that looks about as performance-oriented as the car actually is, the Ampera takes that body and makes it look, well, cooler. It turns out, people like buying cool-looking cars, and Chevrolet is taking note.

“We’re going to do some things with the Volt down the road, make it a little more monochromatic, a little more road-hugging,” Chevrolet exterior design director said to AutoBlog. Tweaking the Volt will help, but GM also plans to launch other vehicles using its Voltec plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Cars like the Cadillac ELR are already on the way, but there’s likely to be more coming as the competition heats up with other plug-ins on the market.

“We are looking at all the different kinds of design DNA for how we proceed with this technology. Nothing is left off the table. No idea is a bad idea,” he said.